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🥏english 11 review

Hyphens

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Hyphens are punctuation marks used to join words or parts of words, creating compound terms or clarifying meaning. They play a critical role in hyphenating compound adjectives, linking prefixes to roots, and separating syllables. Proper use of hyphens ensures clarity and precision in writing, helping to avoid misinterpretation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Hyphens are commonly used in compound adjectives that appear before a noun, such as 'well-known author' or 'high-quality product.'
  2. When two or more words are combined to form a single idea, such as 'mother-in-law' or 'toothbrush,' hyphens are essential for clarity.
  3. Hyphens can also be used to indicate word breaks at the end of lines in written text, ensuring readability.
  4. In some cases, hyphens are used with prefixes like 'self-' and 'ex-' when attached to a word, such as 'self-esteem' or 'ex-boyfriend.'
  5. Incorrect use of hyphens can lead to ambiguity, making it crucial to understand the rules governing their usage.

Review Questions

  • How do hyphens function in compound adjectives, and why is their use important?
    • Hyphens function in compound adjectives by linking two or more words that together describe a noun. Their use is important because they clarify the relationship between the words and help avoid confusion. For example, in the phrase 'little-known fact,' the hyphen makes it clear that 'little' and 'known' together modify 'fact.' Without the hyphen, it could be misinterpreted as suggesting that the fact itself is little.
  • Compare and contrast hyphens with dashes and en dashes, highlighting their distinct uses in writing.
    • Hyphens, dashes, and en dashes serve different purposes in writing. Hyphens connect words to form compound terms or clarify meaning, like in 'mother-in-law.' Dashes create breaks in thought or introduce additional information, such as in 'She was tired—very tired.' En dashes represent ranges, like 'pages 10–20.' Understanding these distinctions helps maintain clarity and enhance the effectiveness of written communication.
  • Evaluate how incorrect usage of hyphens can impact the clarity of a sentence and provide an example.
    • Incorrect usage of hyphens can significantly impact the clarity of a sentence by causing ambiguity or confusion for the reader. For instance, consider the phrase 'small business owner' versus 'small-business owner.' The first suggests a person who owns a business that is small in size; however, without the hyphen, it could imply an unclear relationship between 'small' and 'business.' Properly using hyphens ensures that the intended meaning is conveyed clearly and effectively.